Running a school and delivering uninterrupted lessons have become expensive, amid rising threats from COVID-19. But the education ministry is putting all the available resources to bring the best out of these uncertainties. During this summer break, the ministry spent Nu 29.6 M to retain the boarding students in their respective schools.
During the 15-day summer break recently, nearly 40,000 students of 147 boarding schools across the country remained in their respective schools.
According to Education Minister Jai Bir Rai, the initiative was aimed at keeping students engaged during the break while also minimizing the possible transmission of COVID-19.
It was an unplanned initiative. So, to meet the additional expenses, the ministry re-appropriated its budget from the 2021 -2022 Financial Year. It had to be adjusted from the Nu 15bn allocated to the ministry in the financial year.
“We did not have enough money. We had to re-appropriate from others and then we had to park some of the activities and invest there,” the minister said.
At this point, keeping everyone safe is more important than the budget concern. And investing in students, our future leaders, Lyonpo said, merits even more.
According to Lyonpo, while it could be refreshing for students to go home and even spend some time with their families, it would depend on the pandemic situation.
Meanwhile, as per the ministry’s directive, the respective boarding school rolled out various activities worthy of their student’s learning experiences and active engagement.
Although the ministry hasn’t developed a concrete plan, the minister said if the situation demands, they will replicate a similar initiative in the future.
Yeshey Dema
Edited by Chayku
